Browsing by Author "Jeckoniah, John N."

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Gender differences in rice production participation among smallholder farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes in mbarali district, Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah, John N.; Salanga, Rymond J.
Smallholder farmers are crucial to agri-food production in sub-Saharan Africa. However, gender disparities in rice production participation persist in Tanzania. Existing research has yet to fully explore how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence gendered participation in rice production. This study assesses gender differences in rice production participation patterns among smallholder farmers and identify gender-related socio-economic and demographic factors influencing differences in participation within small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District. Using cross-sectional approach, data were collected from 397 randomly selected farmers through structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including ordered probit regression. The results revealed significant gender differences in rice production participation (p < 0.01). Male farmers had higher participation rates in activities such as land preparation, seedbed preparation, seedling management, irrigation, herbicide, fertilizer, pesticide application, harvesting, transporting, storage, and selling, while female farmers had higher participation rates in transplanting and weeding. The overall level of partici- pation was moderate, with 78 % of male farmers and 49 % of female farmers. However, larger proportion of females (43 %) were at a lower participation levels compared to only 1 % of male farmers, while 21 % of males and 8 % of females were at high participation levels. Factors like household size, farming management, hier- archical position within households, decision-making power, and the ability to access irrigation water positively influenced participation levels, while land size cultivated had a negative impact (p < 0.05). These were gender- related socio-economic and demographic factors that disadvantage female farmers’ participation (p < 0.05). While the age of the farmer and inadequacy of irrigation water significantly affected participation levels, farm- hired labour had positive influence, however, these factors were not gender-specific. The study concludes that gender differences in participation in rice production are influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors. To address these, the study recommends for interventions that reduce gender disparities by promoting equality in resource access, enhancing women’s decision-making power over resources and ability to access irrigation water, and ensure sufficient water in small-scale irrigation schemes. The government should create an enabling envi- ronment that supporting female farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes for broader gender equality in agri- culture and rural development.
Gender dynamics in small-scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
(IJDS, 2023) Gibe, Advera; Massawe, Fatihiya A.; Jeckoniah, John N.
This study established the typology of gender dynamics within small-scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Data were collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), personal observations, and documentary reviews. The collected data was analyzed using content analysis, and ATLAS.ti computer software was used to transcribe the field notes before analysis. The study found that gender inequalities existed in all aspects of gender roles, gender relations, and access and control over productive assets in the small-scale fish business. Men dominated high economic valued activities, such as receiving and collecting fish from fishermen, while women had limited decision-making power over income, freedom of movement, access and control over productive assets, and participation in the fish business. The study concludes that these inequalities negatively affect women's active participation in the business as well as the business growth prospects. The government and non-governmental organizations are recommended to establish programs and policies that create awareness on gender issues for equitable and sustainable development of small-scale fish business in the study area, benefiting both men and women equally.
Large scale agricultural investments and its impact on gender relations and wellbeing of small holder farmers: evidence from Kilombero valley in Tanzania
(African Journal of Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences, 2020-11-30) Jeckoniah, John N.; Akyoo, Elimeleck P.; Kabote, Samwel J.
This paper explores the impact of large-scale agricultural investment on household livelihood outcomes among smallholder farmers in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. The study used qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 376 households. Quantitative data analysis employed independent samples t-test and multiple linear regressions. There were associations in livelihood outcomes and household headship (p < 0.05). The age of household head, years of schooling, household size, land size, group membership, household participation in the out-grower scheme, and livelihood strategies had influence on household livelihood outcomes (p < 0.05). Household livelihood outcomes depend on household socio- economic characteristics and household participation in LSAI. The study recommends Local Government Authorities, non-governmental organization to help farmers to diversify livelihood strategies, group strengthening, promoting gender dialogues in the community to transform gender norms that discriminate against women and female headed households, increase representation of out-growers in every decision making process that affects their livelihood outcomes